Central's Tyler Ancrum reaches for the ball held by Harding's Reggie Stewart, and misses, during boys basketball action against Harding in Bridgeport, Conn. on Friday January 10, 2014.
Photo: Christian Abraham

BRIDGEPORT -- As senior point guard of the defending FCIAC champions, Tyler Ancrum has willingly become the sparkplug on the court.

So, it was hardly a surprise that Central's 107-69 dismantling of city rival Harding on Friday was dubbed, "Tyler Ancrum's Show."

The Hilltoppers' floor general poured in 29 points, senior forward Sha'Quan Bretoux added 25 and three other players scored in double digits to fuel an offensive explosion. The state's third-ranked team shot 67 percent and nailed 10 3-pointers to remain perfect at 6-0.

"We're creatures of habit. We've got to try to get in some more good habits," Central coach Barry McLeod said. "We shared the ball well, we were quick on defense, quick to the ball, quick off the boards. This was by far our best game."

Ancrum hit four treys, including one from just inside half court at the first-quarter buzzer. He built on his electric night from the floor by scoring nine points over a 15-2 run to open the second quarter.

"I'm not trying to be cocky," he said, "I'm kind of the leader, the captain. Once I turn it up, they turn it up. They know they're always going to follow behind me."

Central trailed by two in the game's first minute before its defense changed the tempo. The Hilltoppers generated a collection of fast-break buckets -- and a nine-point first-quarter lead -- by turning over their opponent repeatedly. They led by as many as 25 points in the first half before entering the break up 59-33.

"That's what we try to do, just pressure and get easy baskets. Let the game flow like that," Bretoux said.

"You make the right basketball play, the basketball gods will reward you," Harding coach Charles Clemons said. "That's how I look at it. They made the right basketball play."

Senior guard Reggie Stewart had 22 points to lead the Presidents (5-2), who fell victim to Central's most complete game this season.

"There's no reason why they can't play like this every night," McLeod said. "If they do, they're going to be a tough out for anybody. Obviously we haven't played like this the previous five games, so it's something we have to work at."

In its first five games, Central scored more than 68 points just once. But on Friday, it surpassed that total early in the third quarter. Getting points from up and down the roster, led by Ancrum, the Hilltoppers cruised into the fourth up 78-51.

"This was Tyler Ancrum's show. He makes them go," Clemons said. "High school basketball and college basketball, whoever has the best guard wins. They had the best guards tonight."